Part 4/7:
Reflecting on shifts in the standards for physical play, former players lament the lack of physicality in today’s matches. In sharp contrast to the rough-and-tumble style of yesteryear, players like Dominique Wilkins recall an era where being tough was synonymous with success on the court. Giants in the league faced greater risks while driving to the basket, often enduring hard fouls with little to no intervention from referees.
The conversation shifts to the prevalence of "load management," a concept almost unheard of in the past. Players frequently prioritized their health to the detriment of gameplay, diverging significantly from an era that demanded resilience.